Abigail a living example
TOWNSVILLE teen Abigail Chase would not be alive if it were not for the priceless gift of organ donation.
The 18- year- old had battled cystic fibrosis, a condition affecting the lungs, from birth until receiving a lifesaving lung transplant in July last year, only seven days after being put on the transplant list.
“The lung transplant didn’t just change my life, it gave me a life and it was thanks to somebody who made the decision to donate their organs,” Ms Chase said.
“I was bed- bound before, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t go out with friends, I was in and out of hospital and couldn’t just be a normal 17- year- old.
“I was really excited, nervous and scared when I got the news there was a pair of lungs for me; every emotion was amplified.
“I knew I could die during the procedure but also knew there was a chance I could have a whole future ahead of me.”
The bubbly teen is sharing her story of receiving a lung transplant to inspire people to support organ donation during DonateLife Week.
Ms Chase said that since the transplant she had stopped dreaming about her future and started planning it.
“It has added decades onto my life,” she said. “I used to be fully dependent on my mum but now I have been able to start working, which I love and in August I will be commencing study.
“I hope to one day open my own cafe; that is my ultimate dream.”
Ms Chase is passionate about the message of registering to be an organ donor.
“If it weren’t for my lung transplant I would have had only months to live which is why I tell people not to think twice; it will save a life,” she said. “One person’s organs can save multiple lives with different organs going to different people.
“Since the organ donation which resulted in my lung transplant I’m still myself but a better version, I have more energy for everyday life and am living like a normal 18year- old.
“I really encourage people to register their decision to be an organ donor this Donate Life Week. It has changed my life and it can change somebody else’s too.”
Townsville Hospital donation specialist nurse co- ordinator Rhonda Farley said people like Ms Chase were a great example of why organ donation was so important.
“We want to let the community know it is now faster and easier than ever to join the Australian Organ Donor Register,” she said. “By doing so you could make a significant difference to the life of someone just like Abigail.
“We already know that residents in the region overwhelmingly support organ and tissue donation, but most haven’t gotten around to registering their decision.”
Since last year Queenslanders can register their decision to be an organ donor on the Australian Organ Donor Register online.
People can sign up to the Australian Organ Donor Register by visiting donatelife. gov. au QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to join the Australian Organ Donor Register during DonateLife Week.
Queensland families consenting to organ donations, amid tragic circumstances, helped save the lives of 287 Australians last year.
Consent rates are being highlighted during national DonateLife Week which ends on Sunday. The minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority Ken Wyatt said organ and tissue donor registering influenced consent rates of families.
“Last year, nine in 10 Australian families agreed to donation when their loved one was a registered donor,” Mr Wyatt said.
“This drops to 40 per cent when the family is unaware of their loved one’s decision.
“With 1400 Australians waitlisted at any one time for a transplant, it’s crucial that all Australians register and share their donation decision,” Mr Wyatt said.
For more information on DonateLife Week or to become a donor, visit donatelife. gov. au/ news- events.